Dr. Deepika Verma: Celebrating Oral Health

Dr. Deepika Verma is a dentist who is dedicated to assisting her patients in achieving their oral health goals. Whether this entails simply keeping a clean mouth or fighting disease, Dr. Verma is committed to providing the resources that patients need to reach the highest level of wellbeing possible. Dr. Verma has obtained several educational milestones and professional experiences that have allowed her to succeed in this endeavor.

Dr. Verma is currently serving as the dental director for the Community Health Centers of Southern Iowa (CHCSI). CHCSI opened its doors in 2005 after receiving a grant as a federally funded qualified health center.  Since then it has grown to six locations. In 2011 the organization added oral health services, which is when Dr. Verma came on board. Her education, membership in professional organizations within the field of dentistry, and devotion to her patients shine throughout her practice.

Dentists play an integral role in the health of today’s population. Dr. Deepika Verma and her colleagues work to help patients understand and maintain oral hygiene and health. As such, they are responsible for the education of patients regarding how to best take care of their teeth and mouths.

Dr. Deepika Verma is a highly trained, dedicated dental professional who devotes her time and energy to the wellbeing of her patients. Through her experiences, she has cultivated an understanding of the dental field and the ability to forge lasting relationships with the individuals whom she treats. Dr. Deepika Verma is excited to continue building her career and to keep improving the lives of the patients who entrust their health into her care.

Dr. Verma received her doctorate of dental medicine from the Boston University (BU) Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) in May of 2009. BU’s dental medicine program is one of the top ranked dental curricula in the United States. As part of one of the world’s premier academic and urban research universities, BU’s mission is nothing less than to shape the future of its professionals. Students are selected for admission to GSDM on the basis of scholastic achievement, fitness, an aptitude for the study of dental medicine, and other personal qualifications.

Licensure

After a dentist receives their license, they often go on to earn other certifications, depending on what state they work in. Dr. Deepika Verma received her Iowa Dental License in 2009 and renewed it in 2010 and 2012. She also received her CPR certification in 2007 and renewed that in 2010 and 2012 as well. In 2008 she obtained her DEA certification, which allows her to prescribe a controlled substance as a medical practitioner and was renewed in 2011. She additionally holds a certification in CSA. Most recently, in 2012, she achieved her certification in nitrous oxide analgesia from the Iowa City College of Dentistry.

Professional Organizations

Post-graduation, professional organizations, such as those in the field of dental medicine, allow working professionals to stay connected to new research, technologies, and procedures. They are also a great source of networking. Once they become members of these organizations, individuals have the ability to attend conferences, at which they can complete the coursework required to renew their licensure.

Dr. Verma is a member of several professional dentistry organizations, including:

• The American Dental Association (ADA)
• The Iowa Dental Association (IDA)
• The Academy of General Dentistry
• The Iowa Academy of General Dentistry

Each organization has its own mission and history, therefore granting her access to a plethora of information.

Dr. Deepika Verma: Services Provided by CHCSI

As the dental director for the Community Health Centers of Southern Iowa, Dr. Verma offers many services to her clients, such as:

• Dental Cleanings
• Radiographs
• Dental Sealants
• Restorations
• Periodontics
• Fixed Prosthodontics
• Removable Prosthodontics
• Endodontics
• Oral Surgery

Her office is located in the Leon Center, where she upholds the organization’s mission to “make high quality healthcare accessible to everyone in our region.”

Dental Cleanings, Sealants, and Prevention

Dental cleanings take place at the annual check-up and usually take between 30 minutes and an hour. Though dental appointments are feared by some, they are rarely painful. The teeth are scraped with dental instruments to free them from tartar build-up, and then they are polished and buffed. During this time, the dentist normally talks to the patient about preventative measures they can take to keep their teeth healthy at home, such as brushing and flossing regularly. Dental cleanings are important to prevent gum disease and infection.

Dental sealants are also used as a preventative measure. They are thin plastic coatings applied to the back molars, and are used to prevent tooth decay. They only take a few minutes to apply and are virtually painless. Sealants can last anywhere between five and 10 years.

Endodontics and Periodontics

Endodontics has to do with the care of the pulp of the tooth, which contains nerves surrounding the root. When the pulp is injured or diseased, pain is caused and the dentist must perform a root canal to relieve pain and save the tooth.

Periodontics deals with the structure surrounding the teeth, such as bone and gums. Plaque build-up and bacteria can have a negative effect on these areas. If left untreated, tooth loss can occur.

Fixed and Removable Prosthetics

Fixed prosthetics is a technique used to restore either a single tooth or multiple teeth. They include crowns, bridges, veneers, etc. You can care for fixed prosthetics with brushing and flossing, as you should do with natural teeth. Unlike fixed prosthetics, removable ones are not permanent. Dentures are the most common form of removable prosthetics and include full and partial dentures. They require different care than natural teeth. When receiving dentures, your dentist will give you the instructions you need to care for them.

Radiographs

Radiographs are x-rays done of your teeth. These are routinely completed at your annual check-up. Dentists use these x-rays to check for cavities and any other abnormalities that they will need to address.

Oral Surgery

Oral surgery can deal with any aspect of the mouth such as the teeth, gums and jaw. Most forms of oral surgery can take place in the dentist’s office rather than a hospital.

Dr. Deepika Verma has shown extreme dedication to her field to get to where she is today. From the doctorate she received from one of the most prestigious dentistry programs in the country to her membership in several professional organizations, it is evident that Dr. Deepika Verma strives to provide the best services available to her patients.